Dining
Austin food is known for its variety and diversity of cuisines, but some of the most essential and iconic dishes are:
Tacos, especially breakfast tacos and migas tacos
Barbecue, especially brisket and pulled pork
Queso, a melted cheese dip served with chips
Margaritas, a tequila-based cocktail
The Otto, a taco with refried black beans, bacon, avocado, and cheese
Matt’s El Rancho
Matt Martinez started his career in 1923 at the age of six selling tamales from a wooden pushcart by the Texas Capitol.
Matt & Janie opened El Rancho in 1952 on East 1st Street in downtown Austin with no employees and seating for 40. Matt worked the front of the house and Janie made everything from scratch in the kitchen.
Today the South Lamar restaurant seats more than 500 and everything is still made from scratch.
Known For: Fresh Tex-Mex miracles
Aaron and Stacy Franklin had no idea what they were getting themselves into when they opened up a small barbecue trailer on the side of an Austin, Texas interstate in 2009. Today, crowds stand in line for hours for a taste of his mouth-watering brisket. Franklin Barbecue has been celebrated by everyone from Jimmy Kimmel to Anthony Bourdain to President Obama. Aaron is the recipient of the James Beard Award for Best Chef and has also been inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame for 2020.
Known For: Serving the best barbecue
in the known universe.
-Texas Monthly-
Kerlaches
Kerlaches are made with real oak smoked Texas barbecue, our secret original dough recipe and lots of love. For a kolache experience unlike any other.
Kerlaches
$5.95 each
Brisket + Cheddar
Sausage + Jalapeño + Cheddar
Smoked Pork + Monterrey Jack
Spinach + Feta
plus rotating specials
Known For: Smoke*Dough*Love
Tacodeli is on every possible list of best tacos in USA and tacos to try before you die. Tacodeli opened in Austin in 1999, but our story began long before in Mexico City. That’s where our founder Roberto grew up and first fell in love with the magical flavors of the taqueria. Years later, his childhood memories mixed with Austin’s friendly vibes to inspire Tacodeli’s food and the way we share it. The result is a big, ambitious menu, prepared by hand every day. A healthy obsession with both the quality of our ingredients and the quality of our lives. And a merging of flavors from both sides of our heritage to create something all its own. We extend a warm welcome to anyone who’s hungry for something different.
Known For: breakfast tacos – the best thing that can happen to you in the morning!
Whip In has been independent & locally-owned since 1986!
Starting as a neighborhood corner store, we still carry a great convenience grocery selection, as well as a gastropub with 70 beers on tap, a full wine list & a from-scratch kitchen! Check out our live music & events calendar-
Come for a visit & see what makes Whip In an Austin icon!
Known For: Farm Indian Fusion Food and a great beer and wine list!
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. In search for delicious, expertly prepared seafood and steaks? Look no further!
It is located at 301 E 5th St, Austin, TX 787011. The restaurant is open from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Known For: Seafood and luxury
Uchi, “house” in Japanese, is founded by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole. A delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service, Uchi offers non‑traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase.
Perfect for when you’re all beefed out from BBQ and steakhouses in Austin!!
Known For: non-traditional JapaneseCuisine
In the 1970′s, Stubb’s restaurant became the heart of an explosive music scene. Stubbs was ground zero for musicians like Joe Ely and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Other famous musicians who would “play for their supper” included Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Robert Cray, George Thorogood, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Linda Ronstadt and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Although small in size, Stubb’s Restaurant was always filled with good friends, great music and plenty of Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q.
Known For: Brisket and Sunday Gospel Brunch